Steve Harley, the British rock star who rose to fame in the 1970s with the hit single “Make Me Smile,” passed away at the age of 73. His family announced his death on Facebook, revealing that he had been battling cancer and had recently canceled several concerts to undergo treatment.
As the frontman of the band Cockney Rebel, Steve Harley achieved chart-topping success with “Make Me Smile” in 1975, captivating audiences with his distinctive vocals and emotive lyrics.
In addition to his U.K. success, the band’s debut album featured the hit single “Sebastian,” which reached No. 1 in Belgium and the Netherlands. Furthermore, Harley collaborated with Sarah Brightman on the original recording of “Phantom of the Opera” for the musical of the same name by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Born in London in 1951, Steve Harley’s passion for music was influenced by his mother’s jazz and swing singing, as well as the pop music of the 1950s. His early exposure to music and literature during his recovery from childhood surgeries shaped his artistic aspirations, leading him to pursue a career in journalism before finding success as a singer.
Despite his health challenges, Steve Harley remained dedicated to his music, performing well into his final years.
2024-03-17 20:08:15
Article from www.nytimes.com